Spring compressor and replacer



Jan. 11, 1927. 1,614,218

J. E. WAINWRIGHT s'PRING coMfREssoa AND REPLACER Filed Oct. 18, 1924 2 sheets-Sheet 1 Jan.' v11, 1927. v1,614,218

J. E. WAINWBIGHT v SPRING COMPRESSOR AND RBPLACER Filed oct. les,A 1924 2 sheet-5-5118 2 Josep/f A E. 1A/,v mwa/fr l I ations,

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Patented Jan. 11, 1927.

unirse Simmsv JOSEPH E. WAINWRIGHT, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

SPRING COMPRESSOR AND REPLACER.

Application filed October 18, 1924. Serial No. 744,477.

This invention appertains to automobile appliances and more particularly to means for compressing and handling the valve springs of internal combustion engines.

The primary object of the present invenn tion is to provide a novel device for simultaneously compressing a valve spring and fitting the same within a valve spring holder or clamp, whereby the spring can be conveniently handled and placed upon its valve rod with a minimum amount of time and effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel spring compressor embodying means for receiving the spring and clamp, novel means for initially engaging the upper end of the spring and compressing the same, and novel means for lifting the spring and clamp receiving means for inally compress-y ing the spring and litting the same in its compressed condition in said clamp.

r1. further object of the invention is to provide novel means for constructing the base of the clamp and novel means for constructing the clamp receiving means, whereby the clamp is permitted to rock during the compression of the spring to facilitate the Si fi passage ofv the arms of the clamp past the convolutions of the spring.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for constructing the arms ofthe clamp, whereby upon rocking movement of the clamp. the arms will readily pass the convolutions of the spring, without hindering the compressing thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for constructing the adjustable head, utilized for engaging and holding the upper end of the spring during the compressing thereof for permitting and guiding the engagement of the arms of the clamp over the uppermost convolution of the spring after the compressing thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for guiding the adjustv ing rod of the head and to prevent turning movement thereof during the adjusting of the said head.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a releasable lock for holding the head in its adjusted position in engagement with the upper end of the spring.

A further object of the' invention is to provide a novel spring compressor, which can be readily associated with the running board of an automobile, and which can be utilized for compressing the difl'erent types of valve springs used on different makes of cars.

A still further object Vof the invention is to provide an improved valve spring compressor of the above character, which will be durable and efficient in use, one that will be simple and easy to manufacture and one which can be placed upon the market at a small cost. Y Y

lVith these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specifically described, P

claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved device showing a valve spring and clamp associated therewith,

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the improved device showing the novel clamp carried thereby for permitting the device to be associated with a work bench or the running board Vof an automobile,

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the improved device similar to Figure l showing the spring in its compressed condition and fitted within the holder or clamp,

Figure 4 is a horizontal section through the improved device .taken on the line 4-4 of Figure l looking in the direction of the arrows showing a bott-om plan view of the novel adjustable head,

Figure 5 is a horizontaly section through the improved device taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the means utilized for holding the head in vits adjusted position,

Figure 6 is a detail vertical section taken i on the line 6-6 of Figure l looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the novel means for mounting the adjustable head on the frame of the device and the novel guide means for the supporting rod of the head,

Figure 7 is a detail section through the head taken at right angles to Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 3 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the construction of the novel base for receiving the clamp of the spring, Figure 9 is a detail vertical section through the base taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure l0 is a horizontal section taken on the line 10-1O of Figure 9 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the means for connecting the lazy tongs with the said base7 Figure ll is a detail view showing the improved clamp for the spring,

Figure l2 .is a detail vertical section through the clamp7 Figure 13 is a horizontal section through one side of the clamp showing the formation thereof for permitting the expeditious removal of the spring therefrom.

Referring to the drawings in detaill wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views the letter' A generally indicates the improved s'iring conlpressing device and .B a clamp for holding a, valve spring C in its compressed condition.

The improved device it is adapted to coinpress the sprinlr within the holder or clamp B, in such a manner that the clamp will be enabled to grip the spring and hold the saine in its compre 1 d condition and is constructed as to permit various sizes and tygfses of valve springs to be acted upon. rihe device A includes a frame l which can be formed of sheet metal of the desired gauge and is of a substantially U-shape including an up per arm 1G, a lower siaced parallel arm 1T and a connecting side wall 18. The arms iti and i7 are connected together and braced adjacent to their free terminals by the use of a substantially U-shaped strap l), although it is to be understood that other means can be provided for bracing the frame.` As shown the U-shaped strap 1.() is bolted to the upper plate or arm 16 und has its lower ends provided with feet 20, which can be bolted to the supporting clamp 2l utilized for permitting' the device A to be connected with a work bench or the running board of an automobile.

This clamp 2l embodies a base plate 2Q to which is riveted the lower arm or plate 17 of the frame and a resilientarm 23 for gripping the said work bench or auton'iobile ruiming board.

ln accordance with this invention I provide an initial spring coinpressing and centering member 25 which includes a sliding rod 2G having lteyed or otherwise secured to its lower end the inverted conical shaped centering and con'ipressing head 27. The head 2T at diametrically opposite points is provided with notches 2f) which are provided with oppositely inclined inner guide walls 30. The function of the notches 29 with their inclined guide walls 30 will be hereinafter more fully described. It is preferred to reduce the lower end of the rod lt to receive the head 2T and a substantially coneavii-conver: shaped disk 3l is also fitted on the reduced portion of the rod between the shoulder formed b v the reduced portion of the rod and the head Q7. This plate 3l is of a substantially greater diameter than the enlarged portion ofthe head and cooperates with the head to bring about the guiding of the clamp B over the uppermost convolution of the spring C when the same is compressed.

A guide sleeve is provided for the rod QG and is placed through the upper arm 16 of the frame. This guide sleeve 82 is provided with a radially extending` opening 33 for the reception of a guide ball 34C which snugly tits in a guide groove 35 formed longitudinally in the rod. This guide ball Sil and groove 35 form an etlicient means for guiding .the rod incident to the reciprocation thereof and also prevent turning movement of the rod and head, thereby insuring the correct position of the notches 29 in the head relative to the clamp B, as willbe hereinafter more fully described. fr nut- 36 is threaded on the sleeve in intimate contact with the upper plate or arm lt and serves the dual function of holding the guiding sleeve in place and the ball 34 against accidental displacement from the radially extending bore or opening It, is to be also noted at this point that the ball 311 besides serving the dual function of guiding the rod 26 during the operation thereof and for preventing turning movement of the rod serves to eliminate play which is generally appart-nt when a set screw is used for this purpose. The upper end of the rod Q6 has rotatably associated therewith a manipulating handle 37 for facilitating sliding movement of the rod and an expansion spring 23S is coiled about the rod and has its terminals engaging the handle 37 and the guide sleeve 32 and the nut 3G respectively. This spring normally tends to hold the head in a raised position.

l provide a pivoted latch 39 f or normally holding the rod and head in an adjusted position and this latch is pivoted as at 40 to the lower face-of the upper arm 16 and is adapted to extend across and engage in any one ot a plurality of rack teeth ll formed on the rod 2G. fr contractile coilv spring 42 is connected with the free end of the latch and the frame for normally urging the said latch in engagement with the rod. [i manipulating` thumb piece i8 is carri-ed by the dogl or latch and extends through a suitable groove formed in the top plate or arm to facilitate the actuation of the latch.

Arranged in vertical axial alignment with the rod 2G is a centering pin lil which is secured to the lower arm or plate 1T of the frame in any desired way. A collar or boss is secured rigidly to the lower end of the centering pin and plate or arm 17, while a second collar 16 is slidably mounted upon the pin above the first collar 45. The collar #i6 supports a saddlerblock 4T which forms an important partof the present invention and constitutes the main secondary compressing member. This saddle block 47 can be stamped out of sheet metal if so desired and embodies laterally extending arcuate lips 48 which forms a rocking seat for the clamp B, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

In order to bring about the forcibly lifting of the saddle block 47 with a minimum amount of energy l provide a lazy tong construction 49, which is of substantially the saine construction as shown in my prior Patents 1,392,373 and 1,447,447 issued to me on October 4, 1921, and March 6, 1923, respectively and therefore a detail description of the same will not be given. It canbe seen however that this lazy tong lifting device embodies an operating handle 50, a plurality of pivotally connecting links 51 and upper and lower lifting liaws 52 and 53. rlhese lifting` jaws 52 and 53 are bent around and secured to the collars and 46 in any desired way.

By referring to Figures 1 and 3, it can be seen that when the handle is pulled out, that the upper collar 46 with with the saddle block 47 will be in a lowered position, and that when the handle 50 is forced in toward the frame, that the collar 45 and the saddle block will be raised.

l prefer to extend vthis lazy tong raising device 49 between the U-shaped strap 19 and this strap forms a guide for the same.

In order to form a guide and support for the lower jaw 53 the lower plate or arm 17 has struck up therefrom on each side of the said jaw guide lugs 54.

The novel clamp B for the spring C embodies a pair of spaced resilient spring engaging arms 55, which can'be formed of sheet metal of the desired gauge and the lower ends of the arms have formeel thereon inwardly directed arcuate flanges 56 which form a seat for receiving the lowermost convolution of the spring C. These arcuate flanges 56 cooperate with the'saddle block 47 for permitting rocking of the clamp B incident to the compressing of the spring. rThe extreme upper terminals of the arms have formed thereon inwardly and downwardly directed hooks 57 for engaging the uppermost convolution of the spring, after the same is compressed. It is to be noted that these hools 57 are provided with rounded upper faces 58 for permitting the convenient passage of the hoolts past the convolutions of the spring during the compressing of the spring. The arms 55 of the clamp B are. connectedV together by a subsiantiallyv U-shaped leaf spring 59 which also forms a muninulatiiw handle for the l h n clamp. 'i ie arcuate flanges 5o tit upon the saddle bloei; 47 which has its upper face dished, in such a manner that only a small Y rocking contact is provided, so as to insure the easy rocking of the clamp. The sides of the arms of the clamps are preferably flared outwardly as at 60, which facilitates the removal of the spring from the clamp.

' In operation of the improved device the spring C, which is to be compressed is slid within the clamp B, with the lowermost convolution resting upon the ianges 5G. rlhc spring and clan'ii is now placed on the saddle bloei; 47 tending axially through the spring and spring` seat. Pressure is now applied on the handle 37 and the compression and centering head 27 is forced in intimate contact with the upper end of the spring. This places the spring under slight tension and the latch 39 holds the head in locked position in engagement with the spring.

The handle 5() of the lazy tong construction 49 is now slid inwardly and the saddle block will be raised. During the raising movement of the saddle block the clamp is permitted to rock thereon which will allow lirst one hooi; 57 of one arm 55 of the clamp to ride past a convolution of the spring on one side and then the other liool to ride past the convolution on the other side. ,Vlien the si'ufing has been completely compressed the hoolz's will ride into the notches 29 formed in the centering and compressing head 27 and the lower surface of the concave-convex shaped disk 31 will serve as means for guiding the hooks over the uppermost convolution of the spring, which will permit the spring to be held in its compressed condition by the said clamp. The handle of the lazy tong construction is now pulled out to lower the compressed spring and clamp and by manipulating the thumb piece 43, the latch 39 can be swung from out of engagement with the rack teeth formed on the rod 2G and the spring 38 will automatically move the centering and compressing head from .out of engagement with the spring and permit the same with the clamp to be lifted oil of the saddle block 47. The spring can now be readily handled and fitted upon its valve rod in the ordinary manner.

rlhe hooks 57 are formed'relatively long in order to Vprevent the same riding inside the spring incident to the rocking of the clamp, during the compressing of the spring.

In view of the fact that it is necessary for the arms ofthe clamp with their hooks 57 to ride into the notches 29 it is essential that these notches be kept in alignment with lne said arms and for this reason I have taken great care in designing the ball guide 34. e

Changes as to details may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of this invention, but zilhat l claim as new is l. ri device-tor compressing springs comprising a frame, an initial eompressingrand with the centering pin 44 eX-` spring` centering member carried b y the frame,'and a main secondary spring compressor carried by the frame.

2. A device for compressing valve springs comprising a frame, an adjustable compressing head engaging one end of aspring being compressed carried by the frame, and an initial spring compressing member for forcing the spring against said compressing head. 23. E device for compressi ng valve springs comprising a frame, an adjustable compressing and centering head for engaging one end of a spring to be cfnnpressed associated with the frame, and an initial spring conipressing member carried vby the frame for nioving the spring forcibly against said compression and centering head.

4. f device for compressing valve springs con'iprising a frame, a saddle block carried by the frame for receiving one end of a spring to be compressed. an adjustable conipressing head for engaging the opposite end ot' the spring, and means for forcibly lifting the saddle block.

5. A device 'for compressing coil springs comprising a fran'ie` a saddle block associated with the frame for receiving one end of the spring to be compressed, means for initially compressing and holding the opposite `end of the spring and means for n'iovingl the saddle block against the tension of said spring toward said initial spring compress ing and holding means.

(3. ln a device for con'xpressing valve springs, a saddle bloeit for engaging one end ot the Spring; an adjustable primary coinpression and entering head for engaging the opposite end of the spring, a releasable lock for holding said head in an adjusted position against accidental movement, spring means normally urging the head away from the spring being conipressed, and a lazy tong construction for forcibly moving the saddle block toward said head.

7. In a device for compressing valve springs, a frame, a primary compression and centering head adj ustably carried by the frame for engaging one end of the spring, means normally urging the head away from the spring to be conipressed, a releasable looking means carried by the frame for holding the head in van adjusted position in engagement with the spring to be Coinpressed, a saddle block for engaging the opposite end of the springI and means including a lazy tongl construction for forcibly moving the saddle block toward said head.

8. A tool for compressing valve springs comprising a frame, means associated with the frame for permitting the same to be secured to 'a support, a saddle block arranged within the frame, a depending adjustable compression and centering head adjustably carried by the frame disposed in vertical alignment with the saddle block, means carried by the frame for holding the head in an adjusted position in engagement with one end of the spring, and means connected with the frame and saddle block for forcibly moving the spring tow rd said compression and centering head, whereby the spring will be placed under tension.

9. i device for compressing valve springs comprising a frame, means associated with the frame for pern'iitting the same to be secinfed to a support, a saddle bl ck for engaging the lower end of vthe spring to be conipressed, a compression `and centering head adjnst-ably carried by the upper end of the frame for engaging the upper end of the spring, means carried by the frame for locking the head in an adjusted position in engagement with the spring and means for forcibly moving the saddle biocli toward the head embodying a lazy tong construction having one terminal connected with the frame andthe other terminal with said saddle block.

lt). ln a device for compressing valve springs. a frame, means associated with the frame for permitting the same to be secured to a support` a saddle block disposed within the frame for receiving the lower end of the spring to be compressed, a rod slidably carried by the frame arranged in vertical axial alignment with thc saddle block, guide means associated with the rod, a rotatable handle. carried by the rod, spring means normally urgingthe rod to a raised position, a compression and centering head carried by the lower end of the rod, a pivoted latch carried by the frame 'for engaging the rod for holding the rod and head in an adjusted position, vand means for forcibly raising Vthe saddle block toward the head.

ll. A device for compressing valve spriiigs comprising a frame, a saddle block disposed in the frame for supporting the lower end of the spring to be conipress'ed, a guide carried by the frame, a rod slid-ably mounted within the guide disposed in vertical alignment with the saddle biocl, the rod having a guide groove formed therein, means disposed inthe groove for facilitating the guiding of the rod during sliding movement thereof and for preventing turning movement of ythe rod, a handle rotatably associated with the upper end of the rod, spring means normally holding the rod in a raised position, a compression and centering head carried by the lower end of the rod, the rod having 'racliteeth formed thereon, a pivoted spring pressed latch arranged to normally engage said teeth for holding` the rod and head in an adjusted position, and means including a 'lazy tong construction for forcibly raising the saddle block toward said head.

I2. A device for compressing' valve spring comprising a` frame of substantially U-shape in side elevation including an upper wall', a

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lower wall and an integral connecting side wall, a guide carried by the upper wall, a rod slid-ably mounted within said guide, a rotatable handle carried by the upper end l the rod, a compression and centering head carried by the lower end o'l the rod for engaging the upper end ont a spring to be compressed, an expansion spring coiled about said rod engaging said handle, and upper wall Alfor normally urging the head to a raised position, the rod having rack teeth formed therein, a pivoed spring pressed latch 'li'or engaging said teeth for normally holding the head in an adjusted spring engaging position, a saddle block disposed below the head for supporting` the lower end ot trie spring, a boss connected with the lower wall, and means for forcibly raising the saddle block toward the compression head embodying a lazy tong construction including a pair of inner jaws, one ot said jaws being connected to the saddle block and the other to said boss.

13. A device for compressing coil springs comprising a frame, a saddle block 'for rockably supporting the lower end of the spring to be compressed, an adjustable centering and compressing head for engaging the upper end of the spring, and means for foreibly raising the saddle block toward the head to place the spring to be compressed under tension.

le. A device for compressing coil springs comprising a frame, a saddle block Yfor rockably supporting the lower end of the spring to be compressed, an adjustable centering and compressing head for engaging the upper end of the spring, means for forcibly raising the saddle block toward the head, and said head having notches formed therein at the opposite sides thereof, as and for the purpose specified.

15. A device for compressing coil springs comprising a trame, a saddle block associated with theI frame, an adjustable rod disposed 1n axial relation relative to the saddle block carried by said frame, a conical shaped compression and centering head carried by the rod for engaging the uppermost convolution of the spring to be compressed, the head having notches formed therein at opposite points, and a disk guide plate carried by said head.

1G. A device for compressing valve springs comprising a trame, a boss carried by the `l'rame, a centering pin carried by the boss, a collar slidably mounted upon the centering pin, a saddle bloclr secured to the collar ior rockably supporting the lower end et' a spring to be compressed, a rod slide ably carried by the 'frame disposed in tical axial alinement with the centering pin, a. compression and centering head of inverted conical shape carried by the rod for engaging the upper end of the spring to verhe ycon'ipressed, means for holding the rod in an adjusted position, and means forcibly moving the collar on said centering pin toward said compression head.

17. In a device for compressing 7alve springs, a frame, a guide carried by the frame having avradial opening therein, a rod slidably mounted in the guide having a longitudinally extending guide slot, a ball litted in said radial opening snugly engaging the walls of the groove to facilitate the guiding ot the rod during reciprocation thereot1 and prevent turning mov-ement ot the rod in the guide, and a nut titled on said guide for holding the guide on .thei'rame and for closing said radial opening.

18. AIn a device for compressing valve springs, a rod, an inverted conical shaped entering and compression head secured to the rod having notches termed in the opposite sides thereclI having oppositely inclined inner walls, and a dished shaped plate secured to the rod and engaging the upper tace ot the head and extending beyond the periphery of the head, as and for the purpose specilied.

19. In combination a support, a clamp for helding a valve spring in a compressed cone dition, a pair of spaced side arms, means resiliently connecting the arms together, inwardly directed downwardly inclined hooks formed on thel upper terminals of the arms for engaging the uppermost convolution of the spring, when the spring is compressed, and inwardly directed arcuate base flanges formed on the lower terminals of the arms for engaging the lowermost convolution of a spring, said arcuate base anges forming a rocking face for engaging the suppe-rt.

20. A holder for a coil spring comprising a support, spring engagingarms associated with said support, and said arms provided with means for progressively engaging the convolutions of a coil spring as the same is being compressed.

21. In combination with a holder for a coil spring, a support, spring engaging arms associated with said support tor progressively engaging the convo-lutions of a coil spring as the same is being compressed, an-d means for compressing the spring within the holder.

22. In combination, a holder for a coil spring including a support, springv engaging arms associated with the support for progressively engaging the' convolutions of a coil spring as the saine is being compressed, a head for engaging the upper end ot the spring, a saddle Jor roelrably supporting the holder, and means 'for moving the saddle toward the head.

23. In combination, a holder for a coil spring, a support, resilient arms associated with the support, said arms being provided with means for progressively engaging the di'lring the Compression thereof, a head forA engaging the upper end of the spring having notches formed therein for permitting the means carried by the arms to pass over the uppermost'convolution of the spring, and means for moving the saddle block toward the head.`

24. In a spring compressor, a collar, a centering pin in the collar. a spring' receiving member slidably mounted on the pin, a pair of jaw members secured respectively to the collar and spring receiving member, and means for actuating the jaw members.

25. In a spring compressor, a frame, a collar 'in the frame,V a centering pin in the collar, a `member slidable on the centering pin for receiving the spring to be compressed, means carried by the frame for cngiging the upper end of the spring, a pair or Jaw members secured respectively to the collar and the spring engaging member, and means for actuating the jaw members and for holding' the same in an actuated position.

26. In a spring compressor, a frame, a saddle blocki slidably carried by the frame, means for raising and lorveringthe Saddle block, ,said saddle block comprising; a supportfor a spring to be compressed and a clamp therefor, and a retaining Collar on the saddle block 'for engaging the clamp.

27. In a valve spring compressor, a pair oi jaw members, one of said members having a seat thereon for holding one end of the spring and the other having a sliding stem, a seat on said stem for holding the other end of the spring, saidseats having-recesses for receiving a tool tohold the spring compressed when the spring is ren'iove-d from the compressor.

In testimony whereof I aflix mv signature.

JOSEPH E. WArNWRiGHT. 

